Criteria

A student graduating from a public or private high school located in Yadkin County, NC, who plans to attend a private, four-year college or university located in North Carolina to obtain an undergraduate degree. Preference shall be given to a student who plans to attend Duke University, but the scholarship is open to students attending any private, four-year college of university in the state. Students shall be chosen based on their high academic standing, evidence of good moral character, and service to the community. Students are eligible without regard to financial need, but the amount of the scholarship may be adjusted by the Scholarship Committee based on the financial need of the individual student.

About Jecholiah Dinkins Hollar

A lifelong resident of the Courtney-Huntsville community in Yadkin County, Jecholiah Dinkins Hollar was a farm wife, raising 12 children with her husband, Arthur. The couple began married life together living in a log cabin that lacked indoor plumbing and electricity, with a fireplace providing the primary source of heat.

Jecholiah was active in the church, serving as Sunday School teacher, Bible School director and Sunday School superintendent. She often represented Huntsville at the Baptist State Convention. Although she was almost entirely self-educated, she prioritized education for her children and grandchildren. All her children graduated from high school and five attended college, and as a result of her encouragement, her children and grandchildren have enjoyed success in a variety of professions and in life.

Jecholiah was keenly interested in literature and history. She collected hundreds of books over the years, most of them gleaned from yard and estate sales. With these books, she nurtured a love of learning in her children and grandchildren.

“It was always exciting when the county library bookmobile made its stop at Grandma’s house every couple of weeks,” said her grandson, Dale Hollar. “Grandma was truly a remarkable person whose legacy and impact should be an inspiration for future generations. This scholarship is my small attempt to preserve her memory, while providing help to students who are seeking to improve their lives through higher education.”